Be a Pride Champion!

Pride in Columbus is powered by our amazing community who believes in showing up, standing together, and celebrating authentically.

Each year, hundreds of thousands gather for the Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and March, the largest Pride celebration in the Midwest. It is a vibrant, joyful affirmation that LGBTQ+ people belong, thrive, and deserve to be seen and celebrated in every corner of our community. Keeping Pride free, welcoming, and unforgettable takes shared commitment.

That is where Pride Champions lead the way.

Pride Champions are some of our most dedicated supporters who invest directly in making Pride possible. Their support fuels every part of the experience, from the festival and march to the resource fair and the spaces that bring our community together. Producing Pride costs more than $500,000 each year, and every dollar raised through Pride Champions goes directly into creating this powerful celebration.

When our community stepped up last year, the impact was extraordinary. Over 100+ donors came together and raised a record-breaking amount, sending a clear message that Pride belongs to the people.

This year, your support is not only needed, it's crucial.

With rising costs and a changing funding landscape, community support matters now more than ever. Our vision remains strong and clear. Columbus Pride will stay free, inclusive, and proudly the largest Pride celebration in the Midwest.

This year, our goal is to raise $50,000 through our Pride Champions to help carry that vision forward, and all donation are matched dollar for dollar up to $50,000 through June 30 thanks to a group of dedicated supporters.

Thank you to our 2026 Pride Champions Match Challengers:

• Allison Harrison and Heidi Bostleman
• Carol Fey and Joan Wurmbland
• Denise Rehg
• Densil Porteous and Michael Dalton-Porteous
• Doug Preisse
• Elliot Neufeld
• JZ Knox-Zhang and Sara Knox-Zhang
• K Terry Smith
• Karen Cookston
• Karla Rothan in loving memory of Linda Schuler
• Mark Gibson and Allan Crooks
• Michael Smithson
• Randy Carr CPA
• Scott Owens and Kevin Kowalski
• Steve Shellabarger
• Susan White and Anne Casto
• The Nina West Foundation
• Tom Grote and Rick Neal

Pride Champion Giving Levels, Recognition, and Benefits

Donate by May 21st to be recognized in the Pride Brunch program, the official Pride Guide, and on Stonewall Columbus digital screens throughout Pride Month.

Champion Circle | $1,000+
At this level you will receive:

A Pride Champion Pin
Two (2) Passes to the VIP Pride Rainbow Room
Columbus Pride 2026 keepsake
Recognition as a Pride Champion during Pride Month

Community Builder | $500+
At this level you will receive:

One (1) Pass to the VIP Pride Rainbow Room
Columbus Pride 2026 keepsake
Recognition as a Pride Champion during Pride Month

Pride Supporter | $100+
At this level you will receive:

Columbus Pride 2026 keepsake
Recognition as a Pride Champion during Pride Month

Why It Matters

Pride is more than just a moment, it's a movement. It is joy, visibility, resistance, and connection. Support through our Pride Champions campaign not only powers this celebration, it helps sustain Stonewall Columbus’ year-round programs and services that uplift, affirm, and support LGBTQ+ people throughout Central Ohio, 365 days a year.

Join Us

Help make Pride possible.
Help keep it free.
Help carry it forward.

Become a Pride Champion today!

Questions? Email snikolakis@stonewallcolumbus.org for more info.